NAFDAC to collaborate with Rivers traders to check influx of fake products
*We will identify distributors of fake products, says market association
Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt
The South-South zonal office of the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, is to partner with the executives of markets in Rivers State to rid the market in the state of fake and adulterated products.
Zonal Director of NAFDAC, South-South, Mrs. Chinelo Ajie, gave the assurance after a meeting with representatives of Rivers State traders and market women associations in Port Harcourt, capital city of Rivers State, yesterday.
The meeting was necessitated following complaints by some traders that there was proliferation of fake products in the state, especially in the markets in rural areas.
Mrs. Hair said the collaboration with the traders would expose those involved in the distribution and circulation of fake products in the state.
“I can assure them that there will be no hiding place for them anymore. This collaboration will not tolerate the circulation of adulterated products.
“We hope that this initiative will be a warning to those who have been distributing fake products in the state to desist from doing so because it will no longer be business as usual. We have assured the traders that information given to us will be handled with utmost care. We will protect the identities of those who give us useful information that will enable us effectively check this negative practice,” she said.
The President of Rivers State Women and Traders Association, Mr. Eddy Bright, stressed that his association was willing to cooperate with NAFDAC to stop the proliferation of adulterated products in Rivers State.
“We now have an understanding with NAFDAC to apprehend business people who are circulating fake and adulterated products in our markets in Rivers State. They are very active with their nefarious activities in rural markets,” he explained.
